Kirkcaldy

On Sunday, 28th January, 13 members of the Group met at Morrisons and proceeded through Invertiel, under the Railway Bridge, turning into the Jawbanes Road.   As we climbed, we encountered some drizzle and a strong wind.

After a couple of miles we arrived at the crossroads, turning left for the undulating but scenic route to Kinghorn.   Continued through Kinghorn to join the Coastal Path to return to Kirkcaldy.

A bit of water and mud on the path making it tricky under foot in some places added to by the return of more drizzle in the latter stages of the walk.   All quiet on the river, not a whale to be seen.  However an enjoyable outing overall.

Refreshments were taken at Morrisons where we coincidentally met our Minister, Robin, who concluded our outing with an appropriate prayer.

The walk covered 6.3 miles. Well done everybody.

Bonnybank, Kennoway

What a lovely winter's day for a country walk. Very cold but dry, and blue skies above.
We wished each other a Happy New Year and welcomed Stewart, a new walker, to our group.
Ten of us made the journey to Kennoway and parked up at Springbank Terrace before walking up the hill out of the town towards Bonnybank Inn.
Just before the pub we took a left onto a road which led past the cattery and several houses which together make up the hamlet of Baintown.
Surprisingly, although it was a country road we had to be on our mettle as there were a good few cars passed us with not much room to spare. It was a gentle incline, not enough to get puffed,  as we made our way to the half way point and we turned to take in the view - beyond Leven we could see the Forth and in the distance, the Hills above Edinburgh. the low winter sun casting a lovely orangey shade to the landscape.   
We had lots of chat to catch upon: Christmas and New Year reports, good news  - a first time grandmother in the group - and concern for friends who are not quite fit enough to be with us today. We hope Rona gets back to good health very soon. Talk about our families and our hopes for 2018 kept us engaged for the entire 5 miles walk and most said they hadn't noticed the miles passing.
We prayed together before moving on to Wellsgreen Golf Range where a table had been reserved for us right in front of a gorgeous fire. Lovely newly baked scones and very welcome coffees were served by pleasant staff and not overpriced into the bargain. 5 stars Wellsgreen despite being very busy!
We agreed that 28th Jan would be our next walk.  
Lovely walk and good company. 

Aw Naw!! nobody took a photo today!!

Auchtertool

Twelve members of the walking group left the church on Sunday 12th November to walk the Auchtertool loop .
 We got a lovely autumn afternoon bright and dry with no wind ,but there was some ice and frost in shaded parts, the first sighs of winter.
 We returned to Kirkcaldy to have tea and scones at Balwearie golf club, a lovely walk and great company. 

Lochore Meadows

Sunday 22nd October saw our group of 15 walking the circuit of Lochore Meadows in sunshine and showers. We welcome walkers who for various reasons haven't been able to join us for a while and it was great to get caught up with all the news. Well clad dog walkers were out with their pets and a couple of dogs even had their onesies on The Centre is being renovated so the very tiny cafe at the outdoor centre couldn't accommodate us. Ian kindly booked us into Cluny Clays where we enjoyed our refreshments.

Blairadam Kelty

Blairadam Forest

On Sunday.1st October 10 walkers braved the inclement weather and headed for Blairadam Forest.   Reaching the Forestry Commission car park a decision was made to forego the planned route and stick to the waymarked paths.  Heading off we passed the totem pole and wall mural advising us to “touch not the cat” and made our way through Woodend Wood to join  the Glen Trail where we followed the Burn with trees on either side giving us partial relief from the rain; or not!   Past the waterfall, we came to the remains of the 100 foot bridge which carried the railway over the Glen to the Blairenbathie Pit many years ago.  We stopped to admire the sculpture depicting  the tools used in the mines.

Continuing up the Glen we joined the Blairenbathie Mine Trail along a pleasant wooded path and crossed the Lochornie Burn and  Pieries Burn Bridges with leaves falling gently from the trees.   Continuing on we joined the Forestry Commission Road which took us back to the Car Park although a small detour was made into the woods to the lower reaches of the Kelty Burn and back.

                                                                                                                                      




Baxters was our next port of call where generously proportioned pancakes , scones and tea cakes were consumed along with our usual tea and coffee which was greatly appreciated by all.   Finishing with our walker’s prayer we headed off for home having enjoyed our walk.

Ladybank

Ladybank

Our walk started from Ladybank railway station.  Only eight in the group but all raring to go.  The first turning off the main road was the level crossing. Checking the light was green, we crossed over safely.  A train was approaching in the distance and we waited to see when the light would turn red.  It turned off on another line so the light stayed green.

We walked parallel to the railway line and the weather was fine at that point.  A family passed us by carrying a basket filled with mushrooms they had picked.  Continuing on this path we turned off to the left but alas it was a bit premature, making the first deviation from the planned route.  After some fumbling with the map, we took a turning through the woods and managed to get back on track.

On approach to the 3rd tee of the golf course, four golfers kindly delayed their shots to allow the group to pass by.  Hilda volunteered to tee off for one of the golfers but be assured that did not happen! When we reached the club house the rain was fairly heavy as we stood under tree for a breather.  We walked on towards the next railway crossing and noticed the light was showing red.  An inverness train passed by at great speed.

We had intended to cross the A92 for the remainder of the walk but time was against us.  We made another change to schedule and headed through Monkstown Wood passing a lovely chestnut horse in the field.  We exited on the approach road to the railway station and headed back to the cars where we said the walkers prayer.  Rona said the walk was 5.17 miles which was fine.

We headed off to the Lomond Hills Hotel where Stephen, Kerry, Grace and Isabel met us.  As always we enjoyed coffee and scones and most important, a good blether.

Burntisland to Aberdour

On Sunday 13th August 12 of the walking group members left the church to park at Broomhill Ave Burntisland to start our walk to Aberdour and back. The weather was good for a change and we all set off without raincoats etc. The path was really busy with lots of people walking , cycling ,and a large group from Canada enjoying our great scenery .
When we arrived at the silver sands we took the path up to the village and walked though the lovely castle gardens then down Shore Road to the harbour with the stunning views of Inchcolm Island and Edinburgh where we had a photo stop.
Making our way back towards the silver sands, also busy with families all enjoying the very welcome sunshine , we took the path back to Burntisland meeting another walking group from Glasgow.Just shows how popular the Fife coastal path is.

Back at our cars I had to admit that we had walked 6 miles and not 5 miles as I had first thought.Sorry about that !
Everybody was looking forward to our tea and scones at the Carousal in Kinghorn and discussing a very enjoyable walk .
We finished our afternoon with the walkers prayer and an Elvis tribute act singing in the background.
   Looking forward to whatever our next walk brings!!